What is it about?
This essay reflects on Chinese and American hyperrealism and its effect on the self-perceptions and cultural identities of both countries. Hyperreality is a condition whereby it is impossible to distinguish reality from fantasy. Such a condition is common in technologically advanced cultures where virtual reality has made possible the endless reproductions of fundamentally empty appearances. It is however also possible to speak of hyperreality in terms of “culture” or “civilization.”
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Why is it important?
Superficial observers reduce the China vs. US theme to that of a confrontation between a notoriously undemocratic country and a country that is democratic to the core. With the aim of adopting a more nuanced approach, this essay analyzes Chinese and American hyperrealisms and their effects on the self-perceptions and cultural identities of both countries. In hyperreality, it is impossible to distinguish reality from fantasy. Such a state of things is common in technologically advanced cultures where virtual reality hasmade possible the endless reproductions of fundamentally empty appearances. We can, however, also think of hyperreality in terms of “cultures” or “civilizations.”
Perspectives
Chinese culture is indestructible because it is only identified with a particular historical and geographical position. Concrete cultural values cannot arise. Baudrillard’s “concrete mythology of America” made entirely of civilization finds itsc ounterpart in the myth of Chinese culture. Both concepts are symmetrical opposites, albeit producing identical attributes.
Thorsten Botz-Bornstein
Gulf University for Science and Technology
Read the Original
This page is a summary of: America against China, Culture and Dialogue, July 2013, Brill,
DOI: 10.1163/24683949-00102005.
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